A beautiful smile can improve your confidence and well-being. Porcelain veneers are one of many cosmetic dental treatments that can enhance or restore the smile that you desire.
Here are some frequently asked questions about this popular treatment.
What are veneers? Veneers are wafer-thin pieces of porcelain that are used on teeth to change their shape, size and color, recreating the natural look of teeth.
How long will veneers last? They may be thin, but they are strong. With regular dentist exams and routine daily cleaning, your veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Do they blend in to look like natural teeth? Veneers are sculpted to complement your natural teeth. They are made of a high-quality, semi-transparent dental porcelain that blend with your smile.
How much of my tooth is altered for a veneer? The teeth that will have veneers will remain largely intact. Up to a millimeter of tooth enamel will be removed to make room for the veneer. Since a portion of the enamel is reduced, it cannot be returned to its original condition if you have the veneer removed.
How long is the process to get veneers? Typically, veneers are a two-appointment process to prepare and place the veneers on affected teeth. Since they are created in a lab, veneers take about a week before they are applied to your teeth.
How do you clean teeth that have veneers? You will treat them as you would your own teeth with routine brushing and flossing. You will want to have routine dental check-ups to keep the veneers in good shape.
How are veneers different from crowns? Veneers are used for teeth with minor cracks or chips, even to cover small gaps between teeth. A dental crown requires more tooth structure to be removed as it fits over your entire tooth like a cap.
Do veneers have to be whitened? No. Veneers resist coffee, tea and cigarette stains and are ideal for teeth that resist whitening or can’t be whitened due to trauma or medications that have discolored them.
To learn more about porcelain veneers and other ways to enhance your smile, schedule and appointment by calling 501-843-9561.
